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Legendary Soul Artist and Bandleader Dies in Philadelphia
Recording Artists Pay Their Respects to Donald Gardner

A memorial service will be held October 11th and 12th at the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts located at 738 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be given to The Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts.

Contact: Carla Washington, lchines@verizon.net, 267-471-2573

Philadelphia, September 8, 2018 – Jazz and R&B fans and stars are mourning the death of an internationally recognized singer, songwriter and drummer. Donald Gardner worked with some of the greatest singers of his time such as Curtis Mayfield. He died on September 4th. He was 87.

Gardner began performing as a self-taught professional drummer and singer while he was still a teenager in 1947. The biggest hit that he wrote and performed was, “Need Your Lovin,” which rose to number 4 on the R&B charts in 1962 and was later recorded by Otis Redding, Tom Jones, Jackie Wilson and many others.

Audiences in the U.S. as well as Europe were captivated by Gardner’s mix of R&B tunes with jazzy overtones, which would later be known as “soul” music. After enjoying initial success as a solo singer, he created his first music group in 1953 called the Sonotones. It was when he hired Dee Dee Ford as his new keyboardist that the group hit the R&B charts in the early 1960’s with such hits as Glory of Love, Don’t You Worry and Need Your Lovin.

In the 1970’s he teamed up with Baby Washington for their hit Lay A Little Lovin’ On Me. He continued to perform as a solo artist and remained in music as an artist and repertoire (A&R) manager and nightclub owner into the 1980s. Gardner became board president of the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts in the early 1990s where he passionately protected the organization’s mission to preserve the legacy of jazz and help young jazz musicians hone their skills. Among the many mourning his death is guitarist, singer and songwriter George Benson.

“He encouraged me to try out as a guitar player for Jack McDuff’s organ quartet,” said Benson. “I believed I had no chance of getting that gig, but Don was confident that I could achieve my goal. I tried out and I got the gig. I was 19 years old and that was the beginning of a career I could never had imagined.”

Throughout his career Gardner inspired and collaborated with some of the greatest musical talents of all time, including Dinah Washington, Billy Eckstine and Count Basie to name a few. He is survived by; his son Darryl Baynes (Linda); daughter, Trina Reaves (Edmund); seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held October 11th and 12th at the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts located at 738 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be given to The Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts.

Contact: Carla Washington, lchines@verizon.net, 267-471-2573

Barry Harris is a renowned pianist/educator and NEA Jazz Master.  

PNC Arts Alive presents Jazz Cultural Voices. The PNC Arts Alive initiative has demonstrated a belief in the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts and a commitment to providing us with the funding that makes this event possible.

PNC Arts Alive presents Jazz Cultural Voices. The PNC Arts Alive initiative has demonstrated a belief in the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts and a commitment to providing us with the funding that makes this event possible.

PNC Arts Alive presents Jazz Cultural Voices. The PNC Arts Alive initiative has demonstrated a belief in the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts and a commitment to providing us with the funding that makes this event possible.
The Philadelphia Clef Club Community Band was founded in 1999 by Lou Cioci and Buddy Cifone. Initially the purpose was to gather a group of friends to play Big Band Jazz and just to have a good time doing it. The original gang was players who were in high school and service bands together. Through the years the momentum built up and enables the group to attract a number of the Philadelphia area’s top players and three outstanding vocalists. With these great musicians the band became more and more capable of playing increasingly difficult music. The band now boasts of having over 200 Big Band Jazz Charts. We perform many concerts at the Philadelphia Clef Club and other such venues. Recently we began an initiative to encourage school children to have an interest in Big Band Jazz by playing concerts at several local schools. This effort is being financed by Susan Bloom and other private donors.
Although we still have a good time playing Big Band Jazz together we now find ourselves focused on more than just that. We want to prove that Big Band Jazz lives on and people could find pleasure in our music.
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World renown saxophonist, Charles Lloyd with Reuben Rogers on bass along with Julian Lage & Marvin Sewell on guitar.

Sharing Successes through Performances
The Music Education Program of the Philadelphia Clef Club will present its student recital on Saturday, December 22nd, at 1:00-4:00 PM.
Our semi-annual student recitals give students an opportunity to present to their friends and families a piece of music that has been mastered in the lessons. The decision to perform in public is always made between the instructor and the student. This experience enables students to gain feedback from their peers, feel more comfortable with performing, and develop confidence. Since recitals are also great motivators, they help instructors teach students how to develop stage presence, memorization, projection, communication and impact. By listening to others perform; students also broaden their exposure to many styles and instruments. Levels range from first year students to those with years of experience playing advanced repertoire on their experiences, camaraderie is built among attendees. Family and friends are always encouraged to attend.
Tickets are $10.00 on-line at www.clefclubof jazz.org

PhillyBloco is modeled after the blocos of Rio de Janeiro, with their large percussion sections and harmonic/vocal accompaniment. The group is comprised of twelve drummers, electric guitar, bass guitar, vocals, horn section, accordion, and Brazilian dancers. The group performs a raucous mash-up of samba, funk, reggae, and more made popular by both Brazilian and non-Brazilian artists including: Olodum, Timbalada, Monobloco, Bob Marley and Stevie Wonder.

The Ronnie Burrage and Holographic Principle concert is made possible by a grant award from PNC Foundation, under the initiative PNC Arts Alive, “Jazz Cultural Voices” performance series. Ronnie Burrage is considered one of the best jazz musicians on the

2 Shows 7PM and 9:30PM - get Tickets Now! https://www.artful.ly/store/events/17216

Nabate Isles, Grammy Award winning Trumpeter and composer was born and raised in New York City. He received his BM from the Eastman School and MA from New York University. Since then he has made quite the name for himself performing, recording and touring with a plethora of artists including Mos Def, James Newton, Christian McBride, Dionne Reeves, Philip Bailey, Jeffrey Osborne, Steve Coleman, Rave Coltrane, the Migus Big Band, Rochester Pops Orchestra and the Jose Limon Dance Company. He was part of the Christian McBride Big Band’s Grammy winning album, “The Good Feeling” and performed with them at the White House for President Barack Obama.

Freedom Cadre - Joe Borsellino,  Pete Dennis, Joe Sullivan, Special Guest: David Murray Wonder Sound 4 - Bobby Zankel, Sumi Tonooka, Richard Hill, Nazir Ebo The first of the concert series presented will be David Murray who plays tenor saxophone and bass clarinet mainly.  He

Jam-All Productions is presenting on Wednesday, April 17th at the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz, 736-38 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146, with a 6:00 PM screening of Ornette: Made in America, a film by Shirley Clark with a Panel Discussion featuring Denard

PNC Arts Alive presents Jazz Cultural Voices.  The PNC Arts Alive initiative has demonstrated a belief in the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts and a commitment to providing us with the funding that makes this event possible.

Most of the youth programs lead up to major concerts, performances, showcases and features.  Recitals and the “showcasing” element of youth programs are essential to budding artists.  It strengthens stage presence, promotes self esteem, reinforces improvisational skills, and allows youth

PNC Arts Alive presents Jazz Cultural Voices.  The PNC Arts Alive initiative has demonstrated a belief in the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts and a commitment to providing us with the funding that makes this event possible.

RUTH NAOMI FLOYD is a gifted vocalist-composer who has been at forefront of creating vocal jazz settings that express Christian theology for over 17 years. As a leader, she has released several highly acclaimed recordings. Blessed with a soaring mezzo-soprano voice, critics have praised Ms. Floyd's music for its distinctive sound of progressive ensemble jazz that is seamlessly blended with explicit Biblical messages of unwavering faith in God.

PNC Arts Alive presents Jazz Cultural Voices.   The PNC Arts Alive Initiative has demonstrated a belief in the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts and a commitment to providing us with the funding that makes this event possible.

Monnette Sudler, Jazz│Guitarist│Composer│Vocalist│Recording Artist│Educator

Trombonist Papo Vázquez was born in Philadelphia and by the age of 22 had traveled the globe. In his 40-year career he has played with Slide Hampton, Tito Puente, Dizzy Gillespie, Frank Foster, Mel Lewis, Hilton Ruiz and toured Europe with the Ray Charles Orchestra.

Vázquez has always been deeply moved by jazz, and specifically cites the music of John Coltrane and J.J. Johnson as having most influenced him. His appreciation and knowledge of the indigenous music of the Caribbean provides him with a unique ability to fuse Afro-Caribbean rhythms, specifically those from Puerto Rico, with freer melodic and harmonic elements of progressive jazz.

PNC Arts Alive “Jazz Cultural Voices,” a series of 12 concerts and educational activities presented by the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts during the 2018-2019 season. A year-long, once a month for twelve months, on the third Saturday – Open House style of events utilizing PCC’s 200 seat concert hall, and use of multiple music studios. The new initiative was created with the intent to expose audiences to unique and surprising connections between many musical genre-crossing. Jazz Cultural Voices is designed for patrons to experience different cultures through music and educational activities.

“Jazz Cultural Voices Finale” Featured Musicians:

Sumi Tonooka
Papo Vazquez
Bobby Zankel
Monnette Sudler
Joseph Block/Dylan Band/Philadelphia Clef Club Community Big Band
Alfie Pollitt/George Bussey

Charles has perfected an extremely individual and distinctive sound which clearly sets him apart from other trumpet players. Characterized by a strong sense of tradition, he said in a recent Downbeat magazine interview about his approach to improvising that, “I like to rumble. I take the most difficult routes for improvisation. It’s easy to play a number of choruses effortlessly and never make a mistake, never break down. That’s no fun. You need to get in hot water by trying something out right from the jump, get yourself out of that, and move on to the next chorus.”

Alto & Soprano saxophonist and bandleader, Jaleel Shaw, won the 2014 Downbeat Critics Poll's for Rising Star Alto Saxophonist. He is a longtime member of the Roy Haynes Quartet, Tom Harrell’s “Colors Of A Dream” and has performed with Christian McBride, Jason Moran, the Mingus Big Band, Pat Metheny, Stefon Harris, Roy Hargrove, Chick Corea, Dave Holland, Jimmy Cobb and several others.

Sharing Successes through Performances

The Music Education Program of the Philadelphia Clef Club will present its student recital on Saturday, December 14, 2019 1:00-3:00 PM.

Michele Rosewoman, a vanguard and pioneering artist in her field, mines acoustic modern jazz, sophisticated funk, dynamic electric fusion and elements of Cuban folkloric music, to create a distinct musical experience. Her command and rich vocabulary elegantly expands the horizons and boundaries of jazz while remaining firmly rooted in tradition. With a more than 30-year history, Rosewoman stands out in her class as a visionary pianist, composer bandleader and gifted performer.

Jonathan Scales is one of the most innovative steel pannists on the planet, and is redefining and challenging traditional expectations of his signature instrument. In his hands, the sonic palette of an instrument often associated with cruise ships and tropical resorts is radically expanded to mimic the role of horns, piano, vibraphone or marimba due to his stunning, virtuosic technique. Scales’ mesmerizing compositions have captivated listeners and elevated him to the status of a true composer, forging new territory in the medium of instrumental music.